From Code to Vision: Interview with Giulio Nazzicone

For our DEEP DIVE column, we had the pleasure of speaking with Giulio Nazzicone, Director of the Digital Unit at Dot Beyond. With him, we explored how technology can become strategy — and how AI, blockchain, and automation are reshaping the way digital ecosystems are designed based on vision, quality, and discovery.

Your career began in Artificial Intelligence and cognitive robotics. How has your vision evolved from coding to your current strategic direction as Head of the Digital Unit at Dot Beyond?

My journey started at the University of L’Aquila, where I studied Computer Science up to a PhD in Artificial Intelligence focused on cognitive robotics. I’ve always seen technology as a tool for discovery: rather than just “learning a language” or a framework, it’s been about understanding how each new wave could change the way we work and create.

In 2014, I started a business in Abruzzo with a trusted partner. We wanted to build a company founded not only on skills but on people’s passions — an environment where diverse experiences and viewpoints could cross-pollinate, generating better solutions for clients.

The encounter with Dot Beyond was a natural one: we immediately recognized in them the same vision and the same passion for technological innovation. From there began a growth path that led me to my current role as Director of the Digital Unit at Dot Beyond — a challenge I face every day with the same spirit of curiosity that has guided me from the very beginning.

Your role requires balancing managerial responsibilities with the need to experiment with new technologies. How do you ensure both consistent project quality and the ongoing training necessary to stay at the cutting edge?

My role is multifaceted: it originates from my background as a developer and has evolved toward managerial and strategic responsibilities. I coordinate Scrum teams and Product Owners, oversee some clients directly, contribute to business development activities, and, when needed, I don’t hesitate to “get my hands dirty” in development — experimenting with new technologies or methodologies.

This approach allows us to combine** vision and execution**, but above all, to raise our quality standards. To stay ahead, continuous learning is our top priority: only by constantly investing in the team’s growth can we tackle the most complex technological challenges.

What are the main technologies driving your projects, and how are they evolving?

We work on many fronts, but three technologies are currently leading our projects:

• Generative Artificial Intelligence, which we are increasingly integrating into design, prototyping, and development processes.

• Blockchain, applied to scenarios involving data traceability and secure data management.

• Automation, aimed at freeing creative resources from complex processes.

In what concrete scenarios is this combination creating value in your recent projects?

A concrete example? We developed a solution for an automotive parts management system that, thanks to generative AI, optimizes parts cataloging — dramatically speeding up the process. In another project, AI was applied to the metadata creation of museum content, producing a tool that not only accelerates the work but also opens new possibilities for enhancing digital heritage.

Many clients see you as a true technology partner. What is the ultimate goal you pursue in your relationships with companies?

Whether it’s a major brand or a smaller organization, our goal is always the same: to guarantee quality. For us, technology is not an end in itself, but a means to build useful, effective, and long-lasting solutions.

That’s why clients entrust us not only with implementation, but also with experimentation and the launch of new market propositions. We accompany them along what we call “From coding to strategic vision.” We’re not just a service provider — we’re a laboratory of ideas.

Looking ahead, which trends do you think will be most relevant in the coming months, and what is the biggest challenge for the digital sector?

Generative AI will continue to play a central role, evolving from a simple “assistant” to a tool increasingly integrated into business processes. But we’re also closely watching:

• XR and the Metaverse, which can revolutionize brand experiences, training, and entertainment.

• Intelligent automation, capable of transforming not only efficiency but entire business models.

• Digital sustainability, an increasingly important theme for reducing the environmental impact of IT solutions.

The greatest challenge, in this rapidly evolving landscape, is just one: staying up to date. Technologies are changing at an astonishing pace — tools like Figma, the JetBrains suite, or new AI-powered IDEs are reshaping the way we work. This requires a continuous learning and training cycle for the whole team. It’s a constant race — but that’s exactly what makes this job so exciting.

If I had to choose one keyword to describe my journey, it would be discovery. It’s the common thread that connects us with clients and colleagues: every project is an opportunity to learn, experiment, and grow together.